KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Minnesota Twins have signed All-Star catcher Kurt Suzuki to a two-year, $12 million contract extension.

The Twins got the deal done on Thursday, keeping a respected veteran around the clubhouse on a team that continues to struggle in the standings. Fox Sports first reported the agreement that includes a vesting option for 2017.

Suzuki has been one of the few bright spots for the Twins this season. He signed a one-year deal in the offseason and has delivered one of his finest stories. He will turn 31 in October, but made his first All-Star team and is hitting .304 with two home runs and 41 RBIs.

He has also been well-received by the Twins' pitching staff, delivering some guidance and leadership after Joe Mauer moved from catcher to first base.